Like a Local: 10 Non-Touristy Things to Do in London

“If it’s your first time in London, there are plenty of things that are absolute musts to see and do, such as visiting Big Ben and the Tower of London. If you’ve already been to the city a few times, you can find off-the-beaten-track attractions that hold excitement all their own. Here are 10 non-touristy things to do in London to experience a different side of the city.

Visit the Broadway Market
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Located in Hackney, North London, the Broadway Market is a historic Victorian street market with over 70 shops, cafes and restaurants offering everything from handcrafted gifts to fresh produce. The street is part of the old Porter’s Path and has been around since Roman times, giving it a unique appeal, and locations throughout the market have been used as filming sites for many movies. If you’re looking for a non-touristy experience and some unique gifts and mementoes to bring home, you can shop the Broadway Market to find some hidden gems.

Have brunch at Leadenhall Market
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Leadenhall Market is a stunning Victorian arcade with cobbled paths and beautiful architecture that was used for Diagon Alley in the ‘Harry Potter’ films. It’s a boutique retail market with plenty of shops, restaurants and events, so you could spend hours just exploring what the market has to offer. The market has plenty of brunch options as well, ranging from laid-back and casual to refined and upscale, all with a different atmosphere from the better-known restaurants in the busier parts of the city.

Spend the afternoon at Mercato Metropolitano
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Mercato Metropolitano is London’s most incredible street-food market. Nestled in a quiet spot in the city, the massive open-air market offers an array of street fare, such as Italian and Vietnamese foods, with a focus on sustainability. There’s truly something for everyone in its 40+ shops, including cocktails and beers. The market has unique non-food offerings as well, such as a yoga studio and a rotating vintage market. There’s also the Backyard Cinema, a theatre with themed screenings such as classic sci-fi films in a fake spaceship.

Discover street art
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Once you’ve seen all the masterpieces in London’s art galleries and museums, it’s time to hit the streets to discover the hidden wonders. East London boasts fantastic street art from active local artists. The best places to go are Brick Lane and Shoreditch, which has many murals and some works by the enigmatic Banksy that are perfect for photo opportunities.

Go for a walk in Victoria Park
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Victoria Park is one of the city’s oldest and most important historic public parks. It spans over 18 hectares and offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing at the bathing pond, cricket and football. You could spend hours walking through the park to take in the scenery, and you may even catch a live music performance, model-boat regatta or cricket match.

Have a picnic on Primrose Hill
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When the weather is warm and sunny, a picnic is a lovely way to enjoy the sunshine and scenery. Just stop in a takeaway and order your meal or shop at a market and pick up some local foods and snacks, grab a blanket and head to Regent’s Park. The park has a massive mound, Primrose Hill, that’s ideal for a quiet picnic with beautiful views of the cityscape. When you’re finished, you can take some time to explore the park.

Stroll through Dulwich Village
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If you’re looking for a sightseeing experience that ventures beyond the city centre, take a trip to the southern neighbourhoods to see gorgeous English cottages in Dulwich Village. With just a short train ride, you’ll be in the heart of this charming neighbourhood to see picturesque lanes of pretty cottages and quaint pubs. Before you leave, be sure to stop in a pub or eatery to experience the laid-back atmosphere of the neighbourhood.

See the sights along Regent’s Canal
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Named for the Prince Regent, Regent’s Canal is a lovely canal that begins at Little Venice and ends at the Docklands. It’s part of London’s Grand Union Canal and offers a quiet, atmospheric alternative to the Thames riverside. During a stroll along the canal, you’ll see such landmarks as the Camden Market along with numerous parks, pubs, warehouses, a zoo and more. You can take an afternoon to explore the area or try a narrow-boat cruise along the canal to see charming houseboats and learn about history in the London Canal Museum.

Visit a London bookshop
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London is known for its literary history, and there’s no better way to fully experience the heritage than with a visit to the bookshop. You don’t need to be a bookworm to enjoy a bookshop, either. Many of London’s heritage bookshops offer gorgeous architecture and interiors as well as fascinating rare and antique books, giving you a memorable experience. Some of the best bookshops in the city include Daunt Books, Hatchards and John Sandoe Books.

Have a traditional Sunday roast at a pub
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A visit to a local pub is a must for a trip to London, but if you want to experience a pub like a local, you have to try a traditional Sunday roast. The residential areas of London have pubs that serve a traditional dinner of slow-roasted beef, pork or chicken with root vegetables, gravy and Yorkshire pudding. You can find such pubs in places like Dulwich, Islington, Hampstead and Fulham.

Plan your trip
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Once you’ve experienced the most famous attractions in London, it’s time to wander off the beaten path and enjoy the fun, non-touristy things to do in the city. When it’s time to plan your trip, visit Expedia to check out London hotels and experience a different side of the famous city.”